A nurse is analyzing test results for a client who has a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates a moderate to large pulmonary embolism and the possibility of death?
Tachycardia
Pleural effusion
Respiratory alkalosis
Increased troponin levels
The Correct Answer is D
A. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is a common early sign of pulmonary embolism caused by hypoxia and sympathetic stimulation. However, it is nonspecific and not a direct indicator of embolism size or mortality risk.
B. Pleural effusion: A small pleural effusion can occur with a pulmonary embolism due to inflammation or infarction, but its presence does not correlate with embolism severity or predict outcomes such as death.
C. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is a typical response to hyperventilation in early PE. While common, it does not indicate the extent of the embolism or the risk of mortality and can be seen in mild cases.
D. Increased troponin levels: Elevated troponin indicates right ventricular strain or injury due to a moderate to large pulmonary embolism. This cardiac biomarker is associated with a higher risk of complications and death, signaling hemodynamic stress from the embolic event..
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cerebral edema is caused by osmotic cerebral edema: Osmotic cerebral edema refers to edema caused by an imbalance in osmotic pressure, typically due to conditions like hyponatremia. It is not the primary mechanism for cerebral edema in meningitis.
B. Cerebral edema is caused by the by-products of the pathogen that causes the meningitis: In meningitis, the inflammation and increased vascular permeability due to the infection contribute to cerebral edema. The by-products of the pathogen, including toxins, cause blood-brain barrier disruption, leading to edema.
C. Cerebral edema is caused by cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area of the brain: While CSF changes can contribute to brain swelling, the primary cause of cerebral edema in meningitis is the inflammatory response to infection rather than fluid shifts.
D. Cerebral edema is caused by whole body inflammation which affects the brain the most: While systemic inflammation can affect the brain, cerebral edema in meningitis is more directly caused by the local inflammatory response within the brain rather than whole-body inflammation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Anxiety, unintended weight loss, palpitations: These symptoms are consistent with hyperthyroidism, where excess thyroid hormone speeds up metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is typically associated with low TSH levels due to negative feedback suppression of the pituitary gland.
B. Fatigue, constipation, weight gain: These are classic symptoms of hypothyroidism, where a deficiency of thyroid hormones slows metabolic processes. An elevated TSH level reflects the pituitary's response to low circulating thyroid hormone, attempting to stimulate the thyroid to produce more.
C. Increased thirst, increased urine output, and weight loss: These symptoms point to hyperglycemia or conditions like diabetes mellitus, not thyroid dysfunction. They are due to glucose imbalances rather than altered thyroid hormone or TSH levels.
D. Shakiness, sweating, nausea: These symptoms are typically seen in hypoglycemia or acute adrenal issues, where blood glucose or cortisol levels drop. They do not correspond with thyroid hormone imbalances or elevated TSH.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
